This article compares the Cervelo S5 and BMC Timemachine Road.
I’ll help you understand the bike model lineups, specifications, and suggested retail prices in USD. I’ll explain the carbon fiber technology ( and BMC ACE+) and innovative frameset technologies on each bike.
The objective is to provide you with a clearer understanding of Cervelo S5 and BMC Timemachine Road.
| Cervelo S5 | BMC Timemachine Road | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of bike | Aero | Aero |
| Frame material | Cervelo carbon | Premium 01 carbon |
| Frame sizes | 48, 51, 54, 56, 58 | 47, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61 |
| Groupset | Shimano, SRAM (12-speed) | Shimano, SRAM (12-speed) |
| Brakes | Hydraulic disc | Hydraulic disc |
| Cabling | Internal | Internal |
| Price (USD) | $9,000 to $13,000 | $7,199 to $12,799 |
Cervelo S5
The Cervélo S5 is all about aerodynamic performance and maximizing speed.
This can be seen throughout the frame’s design. Most road cyclists would concur that the Cervélo S5 is among their top choice for an aero road bike. They come with 25mm tires, but the frame allows up to 30mm.
The Cervélo S5 has a very aggressive frame geometry, placing the rider much lower on the bike and reducing their frontal area. A size 54 Cervélo S5 has a 13mm lower stack and 6mm longer reach than a size 54 S-Series (discontinued in 2022). The Cervélo S5 has an extended seat tube cutout; a close-fitting curve in the seat tube fully shields the rear wheel’s leading edge.
The Cervélo S5 is available in a complete bike setup or frameset only.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cervelo S5 | Carbon | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) | Reserve 52/63 | $13,000 |
| Cervelo S5 | Carbon | SRAM Red eTap AXS | Reserve 52/63 | $13,000 |
| Cervelo S5 | Carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | Reserve 52/63 | $9,000 |
| Cervelo S5 | Carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | Reserve 52/63 | $9,000 |
BMC Timemachine Road
The BMC Timemachine Road 01 is BMC’s fastest bike to date.
Designed for all-out speed, the tubes are aerodynamically shaped, and cables are fully hidden and integrated, achieving a clean front end. All models are specced with deeper 50mm wheels.
The BMC Timemachine Road lineup has three models priced from $7,199 to $12,699. The option for frameset only is also available.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMC Timemachine Road 01 One | Premium 01 carbon | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) | DT Swiss ARC 1100 | $12,799 |
| BMC Timemachine Road 01 Two | Premium 01 carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | CRD-501 carbon | $7,999 |
| BMC Timemachine Road 01 Three | Premium 01 carbon | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | CRD-501 carbon | $7,199 |
BMC Timemachine Road vs others
Cervelo vs BMC carbon fiber
Cervelo Carbon
Cervelo doesn’t publicly release information about the types of carbon fiber used on their road bikes.
From my observation of the current Cervelo bikes lineups, there are at least two carbon fiber grades used.
- Highest grade. Cervelo R5 and S5 could be using the highest carbon fiber grade of all the models. These are pure race bikes used by the pros and would likely have the best carbon fiber available at Cervelo.
- Mid-grade. Cervelo Caledonia and Soloist could be using a mid-level carbon and heavier fiber grade of all the models. These are endurance bikes that prioritize comfort over stiffness. So it’s not a surprise to see a lower-grade carbon fiber being used here.
BMC ACE+
The BMC ACE+ (Accelerated Composites Evolution Technology +) is the latest carbon fiber layup technology used on all BMC road bikes.
ACE+ operates by determining the cross-sections of the frame, the arrangement of the carbon layers, and the geometric structure based on targeted performance values. Subsequently, it generates thousands of virtual models to pinpoint the ideal equilibrium of performance, focusing on three fundamental aspects; Stiffness, Weight, and Compliance.
BMC has two different carbon grades, 01 Premium Carbon and Premium Carbon, in their road bike frames. The choice between the two carbon grades depends on the rider’s preferences, budget, and desired level of performance.
- 01 Premium Carbon is a high-grade carbon fiber material with superior performance, stiffness, and weight savings. It provides enhanced ride quality with improved power transfer and responsiveness. Premium 01 carbon is used on all BMC models with 01, such as Teammachine SLR01 and Roadmachine 01.
- Premium Carbon is a mid-range carbon fiber material that balances performance, weight, and affordability. It is used on all BMC models without the 01.
Frameset technologies and innovations
Cervelo S5 and BMC Timemachine Road framesets incorporate advanced technologies to enhance their bikes’ performance and ride characteristics.
Here’s an overview of the technologies used in each bike model.
Cervélo S5
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| V-stem | The V-stem was launched in 2018 with the previous generation S5. It was controversial at that time as there was nothing like that on the market before. Cervélo wanted to route the shifting cables and brake hoses internally, but the bend between the handlebar and stem could have a negative effect on mechanical shifting performance. Hence, the Cervélo engineers designed a V-shaped stem to minimize the bend. Today, the Cervélo S5 is available only in electronic shifting builds, but the V-stem design remains. It’s now part of the S5’s identity. |
| HB14 carbon handlebar | The HB14 carbon handlebars are designed specifically for the S5’s V-stem. It’s available in 380, 400, 420 and 440mm. |
| 34mm tire clearance | The tire clearance for the S5 is a massive 34mm, which is very wide for an aero bike. |
BMC Timemachine Road 01
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Accelerated Composites Evolution Plus (ACE+) | ACE+ utilizes advanced computer algorithms and simulation techniques to optimize the layup and design of carbon fiber frames and components. With BMC ACE+, engineers can explore various design possibilities and fine-tune the carbon layup to achieve specific performance objectives. This technology allows precise control over stiffness, compliance, weight, and aerodynamics. ACE+ enables BMC to create frames that offer optimal balance and performance characteristics by analyzing numerous virtual prototypes and conducting virtual testing. |
| Aerocore Design System | An advanced aerodynamic design approach used by BMC to optimize the aerodynamic performance of their road bikes. It is a holistic system that integrates multiple bike elements, including frame shapes, tube profiles, component integration, and overall bike geometry, to minimize aerodynamic drag and maximize efficiency. |
| Integrated Cockpit System (ICS) | Seamlessly integrates the handlebar, stem, and fork to improve aerodynamics, enhance stiffness, and provide a clean, integrated look. The elimination of external cables reduces drag and improves handling responsiveness. |
| Tuned Compliance Concept (TCC) | TCC optimizes vertical compliance by strategically tuning the carbon layup and tube shapes. This technology improves the frame’s ability to absorb road vibrations and bumps, resulting in a smoother and more comfortable ride without sacrificing performance or power transfer. |
Where to buy
Cervelo retailers
- Cervelo retailers. Use this tool to find your nearest Cervelo retailers.
BMC retailers
- BMC retailers. Use this tool to find your nearest BMC retailers.
Bernard Lu has 7+ years of experience working in a bicycle shop, overseeing the retail and workshop operations. He’s a qualified bicycle mechanic who understands a cyclist’s needs and speaks the same cycling lingo.
If you meet him at the cafe, he will happily talk to you for hours about all the intricacies of bikes and cycling tech. Just buy him a coffee next time you see him.